Suspect Arrested in Westfield Poker Player's Murder

Investigation reveals gambling ties and large amounts of cash and drugs at victim's home.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:51pm

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An extreme close-up of a small plastic bag filled with dried marijuana buds, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into drug-related crime.A recent wave of drug-related violence exposes the dark underbelly of suburban communities.Indianapolis Today

Police have arrested Ronald Dewayne Brown, Jr. in connection with the murder of Westfield poker player James Matthew Lushin. Court documents show Lushin had been supplying marijuana to Brown, and the two had a financial dispute over a large drug debt. Detectives found nearly $16,000 in cash and 11 pounds of marijuana at Lushin's home, as well as evidence linking Brown to the crime scene.

Why it matters

This case highlights the intersection of illegal drug trade, gambling, and violence in the local community. It raises questions about the regulation of underground gambling operations and the need for better oversight of the illicit drug market to prevent such tragedies.

The details

Westfield police were called to Lushin's home on March 12 after he failed to show up for an appointment. They found him dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators discovered Lushin had been supplying marijuana to Brown, and Brown owed Lushin a significant debt. Brown allegedly paid Lushin over $17,000 through CashApp in the months leading up to the murder. During searches of Brown's homes, police found packages of marijuana, cell phones, laptops, and a handgun matching evidence from the crime scene.

  • On March 12, police were called to Lushin's home and found him dead.
  • Between January 2025 and March 2026, Brown paid Lushin a total of $17,900 through CashApp.
  • On March 27, police executed search warrants at Brown's homes and took him into custody.

The players

James Matthew Lushin

A Westfield poker player who was found dead in his home from multiple gunshot wounds. Lushin was known to deal marijuana and had significant gambling ties, including trips abroad.

Ronald Dewayne Brown, Jr.

The suspect arrested and charged with Lushin's murder. Brown had been paying Lushin for marijuana and owed him a large drug debt.

Josh Kocher

The Hamilton County Prosecutor, who said his office has several theories for a motive but would not offer any details, saying they were circumstantial.

Shawn Keen

The Westfield Police Chief, who said Lushin's murder was the first homicide in Westfield in about seven or eight years.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime we can get more evidence, that's something that's good. Both something that can prove guilt of the accused but also anything that can prove the innocence of the accused. We want to make sure that we get it right.”

— Josh Kocher, Hamilton County Prosecutor

What’s next

Prosecutors will continue to build their case against Ronald Dewayne Brown, Jr., who is scheduled to appear in court again on April 10 for a bail hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangerous intersection of illegal drug trade, underground gambling, and violence in local communities. It underscores the need for greater regulation and oversight to prevent such incidents and protect public safety.